Embedded Files
Everything you need to know to use our printers
Design and Slice on a Chromebook.pdf
Setup - From Unboxing to First Print
Setup - From Unboxing to First Print
Unpack at Setup Printer
Unpack at Setup Printer
Lulzbot provides better instructions for assembling the printers than I can so just use the guide that comes with your printer. If you run into problems, contact Woody
Install Cura-Lulzbot
Install Cura-Lulzbot
For Chromebooks, Cura won't run natively so we'll use a different slicer. You don't need to install anything.
Installing the slicer software (Cura) on RSD computers requires admin privileges so contact the Helpdesk to request the install. For non-RSD computers, you can download the software from Lulzbot and install it your self.
Once Cura is installed, you'll need to set it for your printer. Most of our printers are Lulzbot Taz Workhorses so we'll assume that's what you're setting up. If you're using a Pro, Mini, or other, the steps are the same, just select the correct printer.
On the first boot, it will ask you to select a printer. If you miss that, you can always click Settings >> Printer >> Add Printer... to bring up this window.
Select TAZ Workhorse (or your printer model), don't change any of the other settings, and click Add Printer. Next the Machine Settings window will appear. Leave these and click Finish
Design Piece
Design Piece
There are many 3D CAD programs students can use to design their piece for printing. We recommend starting with TinkerCAD. It's easy to learn and much more powerful than it first appears. Students in our Pre-Engineering classes may also wish to use professional-grade software such as OnShape. For now, using OnShape is beyond the scope of this guide.
For new designers, TinkerCAD offers basic lessons about the use of the tool. After completing those, working through some of the guided lessons helps further develop your skills. Before designing your own piece from scratch, we recommend the Chess Pawn Walk-Thru and Luggage Tag Walk-Thru. After that, students will have enough experience to design complex pieces.
Export .stl
Export .stl
Once the design is complete, click Export
Then select .STL to save the file to your computer
Slice Design
Slice Design
Open your .STL design in Cura (File >> Open File(s)...), then ensure that you're set to print with PLA. Keep the Profile to "Standard - 0.250mm" and the Infill at 20%. These are the defaults. After getting comfortable with printing, feel free to change these to see how it impacts your print, but for most prints, these settings work fine.
After the settings are correct, click Save to File in the lower right corner. This will save the .gcode to your computer. If your computer is connected to the printer via USB, a drop-down will appear next to the Save to File button allowing you to print directly. Use this if the computer is going to stay connected during the entire printing process.
Save to Memory Card
Save to Memory Card
Copy the .gcode file to the SD card used with the printer. Some computers in the district have SD or microSD card readers built in. If yours doesn't, use a USB card reader to transfer the file.
The Taz Pro printers have a USB port rather than the SD card slot so any USB drive will work.
Print From Memory Card
Print From Memory Card
Insert the SD card and turn the printer on. Press the turn wheel to open the menu and rotate down to "Print from SD card". Press the wheel to select this then find the .gcode file you just saved. Press the wheel and press again to Confirm. The printer will start warming up to print your piece.
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